Amidst the abundance of thrilling attractions, sights, sounds and smells that Walt Disney World has to offer, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. The theme parks often draw in large crowds, particularly during peak periods such as holidays or summer. For guests with anxiety, sensory or processing disorders, or even for those who just need a little extra space, a visit to a theme park can be a daunting experience. Therefore, to help ease some of the stress, we're pleased to share a few sensory break areas that we have found to be very helpful (and needed!) when vacationing at Disney World.
Where to Take a Sensory Break at Disney World
These quiet and secluded spots provide the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. Oh, and don't froget to consult our Crowd Calendar to help plan your trip so you can hopfully avoid the busiest times of the year! Without any further ado, here's where to take a sensory break at Disney World.
- Baby Care Center — Located near the Crystal Palace restaurant, the Baby Care Center provides a quiet, air-conditioned and comfortable environment for parents and caregivers to care for infants and young children.
- Hub Grass — This grassy area near the castle hub is a nice place to sit, stretch your legs and relax. There's no shade here, so we don't recommend this spot in the heat of the day unless you have a handheld sun umbrella to help shield some of those strong Orlando sun rays.
- Balcony at the Walt Disney World Railroad - Main Street, U.S.A. — If you’re looking for a break in the early morning or afternoon, head to the train station overlooking Main Street, U.S.A. This area not only offers scenic views of Cinderella Castle but can be a nice shaded spot to recharge. (Keep in mind that it gets blocked off toward the end of the night around 5 p.m.).
- Pete’s Silly Slideshow — In Fantasyland, across from Dumbo the Flying Elephant, you’ll find Pete’s Silly Slideshow. This area is hardly ever busy, so it makes for a nice, relaxing break away from the huge crowds. Plus, your little frogs will love meeting Donald and Goofy with minimal wait times! Check out our blog on Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Characters.
- Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe — This shop is located in Liberty Square. It offers a patio spot behind the building which is a less traveled area. You'll find a few picnic tables and partial shade under the building's awnings.
- Hall of Presidents — Moreover, this indoor attraction has a peaceful and air-conditioned lobby. This a wonderful place to take a sensory break at Disney World. Nab a seat on a bench to catch your breath and cool down. Stay to watch an audio-animatronic show about the U.S. presidents or take a few minutes to browse the historical artifacts showcased throughout the lobby. Maybe it's just in our minds, but we always think the AC in this building is extra cold!
- Pirates of the Caribbean — Located in Adventureland, just to the right of this attraction and past the gift shop is a courtyard that leads to a gated backstage area. This area is quiet as it's off of the main walking path. You'll find a couple of benches for resting here too.
- The walking path between Storybook Circus and TRON Lightcycle / Run — This path is a quiet walk between these two popular areas of Magic Kingdom. It's a great place to take a break and enjoy the shade underneath the bridge leading to TRON. The space underneath the bridge also seems to create a little wind tunnel. That moving air is always a nice reprieve on those extra muggy Florida days.
- Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station — While not necessarily quiet, this interactive water play area, located in Storybook Circus, is a frogtastic spot for the tadpoles to cool off and have fun splashing around while taking a break from waiting in long lines. Sometimes it's the hot Florida temps that cause meltdowns for kids of all ages. I'm looking at you, mama and papa frogs ... cooling off with a little water can be just what's needed!
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion — This pavilion, renamed the Seas with Nemo & Friends, has a peaceful and air-conditioned environment where you can explore marine life exhibits and attractions. While this can be a busy area, watching the sea life exhibits may be calming for those who need a break from the lines. Bruce's Shark World is an interactive play area for the froglets who need space to get their wiggles out.
- Journey to Imagination bathroom area — Tucked back away from the crowds, this bathroom area, is a quiet place to use the facilities and take a break.
- The walking path between Mission: SPACE and Test Track — This path is a spacious walkway with several benches between the two attractions. Some of the benches even have umbrellas! This walkway is off of the beaten path and offers some seclusion from the theme park crowds.
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana — Located in World Nature, this short walking trail lets you explore the wonders of water at your own pace. However, though it can get crowded at some points throughout the day, the versatility of this path to walk at your own pace and hang back is what makes it a frog favorite.
- CommuniCore Hall and Plaza — Though the outside of this area can get a little loud and busy, the interior offers a calm, stress-free environment to unwind. Pull up a chair and enjoy the air conditioning in this comfy spot. You can even bring in your own food and drinks! This one is mommy and daddy frog-approved.
- The Odyssey Building & Baby Care Center — Here, you'll find an air-conditioned environment to rest and recharge. During most of the EPCOT Festivals, this building is used to house one of the festival's food kitchens and/or merchandise pop-up shops. It can get a bit busy in here, but we think it's worth mentioning because of the large number of tables with chairs available, plus cold AC! Meanwhile, just outside the exit toward the Mexico Pavilion is where you'll find the Baby Care Center and First Aid station.
- Play Zone — This play area is located between the Creations merchandise shop and Test Track. It has structures to climb on and explore, adjacent to a seating area complete with tables for parents to grab a seat for a minute (or 10!) :)
- Canada Pavillion — In front of the Canada Pavilion, Victoria Gardens and the walkway leading to Canada Far and Wide is accompanied by a waterfall, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustling crowds and noise. Although there are no seats or a ton of shade, it still serves as a pleasant retreat. Additionally, you can take advantage of the air-conditioned waiting area while waiting to enter the Canada film.
- United Kingdom Pavilion — Nestled behind the buildings and shops at the United Kingdom Pavilion in EPCOT lies a charming English garden, featuring beautiful flora and a hedge maze. This tranquil and secluded spot offers an escape from the crowds, making it an ideal sensory-friendly place to take a break and give your feet a rest.
- Morocco Pavilion — We love exploring this pavilion! There are lots of areas that provide cool shade and a break from the crowds. One of our all-time favorite spots is the mosaic-filled Fez House. Though seating options are limited, visitors can still enjoy the serene ambiance this little nook provides.
- The American Adventure — Similar to the Hall of Presidents, the American Adventure Pavilion offers a spacious air-conditioned waiting area and a show featuring numerous rows of seating. The show's duration is longer than that of the Hall of Presidents. Plus, with fewer crowds, you may have the opportunity to watch multiple showings if you need a longer break.
- Baby Care Center — This is located near the entrance of the park at the Guest Relations building. Here, you'll find private nursing areas, changing stations and baby supplies for purchase. There's also a seating area with a television that is typically playing Disney films. When a little downtime is needed, this might even be a spot where your little one might take a much-needed power nap.
- Benches & seating around Echo Lake — Even though there's not a ton of shade here, finding a seat on one of the benches is a decent spot to sit and people-watch. These are located near the center of the park. You'll also find a seating area with umbrellas just outside of Dockside Diner. (If you're looking for a tasty snack, try the Pretzel Hot Dog!)
- Commissary Lane — This street offers a shaded walkway with several benches and seating areas to rest and take a break.
- Grand Avenue — This themed area is a quiet and immersive environment to explore and relax. Lily loves to walk around and point out the details she finds in the building's windows. The area where the Muppet*Vision 3D exits typically stays pretty quiet and also makes for some fun photo opportunities.
- Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — The center of this alien land can be quite busy and loud. However, at the entrance/exit closest to Toy Story Land, you'll find a few benches scattered around. Depending on the time of day, the tall rock walls even provide some shade.
- Pixar Plaza — This large open Pixar-themed courtyard is situated around the backside of the Chinese Theatre as you head toward Toy Story Land. This is where you can meet many of your favorite Pixar characters, including Frozone and Sulley! You'll find some benches in quiet corners to duck into if needed. I love to grab a coffee from the Joffery's Coffee cart or a Num Num cookie from the Neighborhood Bakery and let the kids relax before we head into the exciting (but very stimulating) Toy Story Land.
- The exit of Tower of Terror — Just outside the merchandise shop exit, you'll be greeted by a Joffery's Coffee cart and a quiet courtyard. During certain times of the day, the Tower of Terror building blocks the sun and provides a shady oasis. There are several benches in this area and it tends to be a more relaxed environment.
- Courtyard at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith— Because of how large this area is, it hardly ever feels crowded. Grab a seat near the exit of the ride, enjoy the views, and sing along to some rockin' tunes.
- The Oasis — This area is located at the entrance of Animal Kingdom. It provides a peaceful walk to see animals through lush vegetation, waterfalls and streams. It's a great place to take a break. This is especially true later in the day when many of the morning entry crowds have died down. You'll also find a rock wall that creates a little cave. This is perfect if you're looking to duck out of the sun for a minute or two.
- Maharajah Jungle Trek & Gorilla Falls Trail — These two attractions take you through serene and shaded walking trails with beautiful landscaping and water features. You'll see animals such as tigers, fruit bats, birds, gorillas and more along the way. Even though the animal trails at Disney's Animal Kingdom are considered an attraction, they are usually not as busy or crowded as the rides. The vegetation and animal exhibit buildings also provide shade and a bit of AC.
- The Tree of Life — The Tree of Life is the centerpiece of Animal Kingdom! Along the base of the tree, it offers a peaceful area to sit and relax. There are trails with benches and shaded areas where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery. The views of the Tree of Life are pretty incredible. I like asking the kids to find and name the animals that they see carved into the tree.
- Walking Path between Africa and Pandora - The World of Avatar — Though there are no seating areas in this section, this walking path gets you away from large crowds. It’s not as packed as the main walking areas, mainly because a lot of guests don’t realize it’s there! It’ll take you about 10 minutes to get from one area to the next.
- Conservation Station — Conservation Station is an indoor exhibit found at Rafiki's Planet Watch. It features a variety of interactive exhibits and displays about animal conservation. It's a quiet and air-conditioned area to take a break from the heat and crowds.
- Rafiki's Planet Watch — To get to Rafiki's Planet Watch, you'll take a train through a serene and peaceful landscape. Once you arrive, you can explore exhibits about animal care and conservation. You can also visit with animals such as goats and sheep. Many children love the train ride! Interestingly, guests rarely flock to this area of the park!
- Discovery Island Trails — These walking trails take you through a calming environment with waterfalls and streams. You'll also encounter a variety of animals such as flamingos, kangaroos and lemurs.
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue ... and Beyond! — Just outside and to the right of the theatre entrance is a restroom area. There's an abundance of trees providing a cool escape from the sun. You'll also find water fountains and stairs which make for a nice place to sit and catch your breath before heading off to your next adventure in the day.
About Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS)
Specifically, for families traveling with children who have autism or similar conditions, there's Disney's Disability Access Service. It's also commonly abbreviated in the Disney community as DAS. This pass is available for guests who are unable to wait in line for a prolonged period.
DAS uses the same queue as the Lightning Lane Single or Multi Pass or an alternate entrance. However, you are still given a selected time to return to the ride or attraction that equals the current standby wait (you're just waiting elsewhere!). Up to three other guests can accompany the individual using the DAS pass, and the individual must be present for the ride.
Those interested in this service can chat with a Disney cast member to determine if they meet eligibility. Moreover, there is no option to request a registration for a DAS pass in person. Set this call up 30 days before you visit. We break down this service more in our blog post, linked below.
In conclusion, we've rounded up our favorite spots to take a sensory break at Disney World. Disney World can be an overwhelming experience for just about anyone, but particularly for individuals with sensory or processing disorders. Fortunately, the Disney parks have areas that provide several sensory break locations. As a result, these help visitors recharge and take a break from the crowds, noise and stimulation. Don't hesitate to take a sensory break and recharge before jumping back into the magical world of Disney! You and your crew will be better off for it!
Related: Overview of Disney World's Disability Access Service (DAS)
Hoppy planning!
